The Obama administration has just announced its intention to nominate Maureen Ohlhausen as the next FTC Commissioner. She would replace Commissioner Bill Kovacic, who finishes his term in September of this year. While Kovacic is a strong antitrust academic, Ohlhausen is a practicing lawyer experienced in issues of privacy and consumer protection. This nomination, therefore, illustrates the growing focus on the FTC to address consumer protection issues.

Ohlhausen served as Director of the Office of Policy Planning and as attorney advisor to former Commissioner Swindle. During her tenure, the OPP encouraged informative labeling and advertising designed to inform consumers, as well as clearer disclosure by mortgage lenders and pharmaceuticals.

Ms. Ohlhausen clerked for Judge David Sentelle (D. C. Cir.) and Judge Robert Yock (Fed. Cl.). She received a B.A. from the University of Virginia and a J.D. from George Mason University School of Law, and has taught Unfair Trade Practices as an adjunct professor at her alma mater. Ms. Ohlhausen has also contributed academically to the analyses of the relationship between advertising and childhood obesity.